Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, M.Ed., PCC, ESIA, EIA, CCDP
It was a sincere pleasure to sit with our esteemed guest, Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, M.Ed., PCC, ESIA, EIA, CCDP, on the latest episode of the Inspiring Coaches Show. Deborah brings over 18 years of experience in the coaching industry to her practice, along with impressive credentials that highlight her dedication to advancing the field of coaching and supporting neurodivergent individuals. She is a PCC (Professional Certified Coach), a coaching practice leader, a CCDP (Certified Career Development Practitioner), and a Coach Supervisor. Deborah has also completed a Master of Education in Adult Education through Yorkville University.
Deborah has worked extensively with neurodivergent clients and coaches, helping them navigate a world that often overlooks the unique strengths and challenges they face. As a certified ADHD coach, mentor, and prominent figure in the field, she advocates for greater awareness and inclusivity within the coaching profession, which she also puts into practice as the CEO and founder of PersonaGrata Consulting.
Neurodivergent Individuals Can Thrive in Coaching
Delving into neurodivergence in coaching with us, Deborah shares her journey and insights on how neurodivergent individuals can thrive in coaching. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity, not just as a concept, but as a practical approach to coaching that benefits all clients.
Evolving Language in Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
Highlighting the evolving language and understanding of neurodiversity and neurodivergence for us, Deborah explains:
“There is no such thing as the typical or ‘the’ human brain. We all look different from that perspective. And then neurodivergence, if you think of the word ‘divergent’, neurodivergence is the idea that; think about the outliers, the ends of the rainbow—maybe where the pot of gold is. And so neurodivergence is folks that might be medically diagnosed or recognize their own selves as thinking, learning, [and] processing quite differently from the rest of the world. And so you have neurodiversity: this big, beautiful rainbow. And you have neurodivergence, folks that might fall under that might be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism. To make matters even, maybe a little more complex, is the idea that in the workplace when we’re talking about being neurodiverse at work, we’re probably talking about being neurodivergent at work. But as it’s commonly referred to, is neurodiversity at work. So it’s kind of a big, interesting, evolving vocabulary.”
Deborah’s work extends beyond coaching individuals; she is also involved in leading research on diversity, equity, and inclusion in coaching supervision. Her personal connection to the neurodivergent community, both as an ally and a member, brings a unique perspective that can help coaches looking to expand their understanding and skills in this area.
We are inspired by Deborah Shukyn-Plageman’s wisdom and passion for making the world of coaching more inclusive and effective for everyone. Explore your own possibilities with Coaching out of the Box.
Transcript
Download a transcript of the show.
